To Eusebius, bishop of
Samosata.24782478 On a possible
visit of Eusebius to Cæsarea.

I know the countless
labours which you have undergone for the Churches of God; I know your
press of occupation, while you discharge your responsibilities, not as
though they were of mere secondary importance, but in accordance with
God’s will. I know the man24792479i.e.
Valens.
who is, as it were, laying close siege to you and by whom you are
forced, like 206birds
crouching in cover under an eagle, not to go far from your
shelter. I know all this. But longing is strong, both in
hoping for the impracticable and attempting the impossible.
Rather I should say, hope in God is the strongest of all
things.24802480 “Vita
vere mortalis spes est vitæ immortalis.” St.
Augustine in Ps. iii. “Spes æternitatem animum
erigit, et idcirco nulla mala sentit.” St. Greg.,
Moral. cf. Ovid. i. Pont. 7: Quamvis est igitur meritis indebita nostris, Magna tamen spes est in bonitate
Dei. For it is not
from unreasonable desire, but from strength of faith, that I expect a
way out, even from the greatest difficulties, and that you will find a
way to get over all hindrances, and to come to see the Church that
loves you best of all, and to be seen by her. What she values
most of all good things is to behold your face and to hear your
voice. Beware then of making her hopes vain. When last
year, on my return from Syria, I reported the promise which you had
given me, you cannot think how elated with her hopes I made her.
Do not, my friend, postpone your coming to another time. Even if
it may be possible for you to see her one day, you may not see her and
me too, for sickness is hurrying me on to quit this painful
life.